History of Police Brutality: The Murder of George Floyd Essay

Police brutality is associated with the use of excessive force to inflict pain on citizens. Thus, the United Nations objects to human rights infringement because police should only apply pressure in suspects’ resistance. Innocent civilians suffer from shootings that could be avoided if officers acted decisively (Graham et al. 556). Constitutional reforms and amendments advocate for justice and accountability from law enforcement agents. Civil rights movements are vital in ensuring service members who breach law and are held accountable for harassment and torture of innocent citizens.

Police officers strive to maintain order and ensure adherence to the laws of the state. Despite police earning praise for ensuring compliance with the law, they perpetrate evils against civilians. The illegality demonstrates unnecessary force against civilians who could otherwise cooperate-police brutality range from assault, intimidation, torture, and murder in extreme instances. The injustices date back to the late 19^th century when working class and poor citizens lamented on discriminatory acts from crooked officers. In the early 20^th century, Jewish alongside other immigrants, complained of unfair treatment of their members in the United States (Cunningham and Gillezeau 17).

In the 1920s, Italian-immigrants were tackled violently by urban police agents (Cunningham and Gillezeau 17). Major cities affected by the crackdown include Chicago and New York as police unleashed extralegal tactics. In 1943, civilians from the United States were involved in zoot suit riots after police attacked Mexican Americans (Cunningham and Gillezeau 17). The law enforcement units were required to be responsible and accountable to all civilians without discrimination.

The United Nations on Curbing Police Violation of Human Rights

The United Nations devised measures to curb police brutality as a result of widespread demonstrations and activism. Civilians should follow the law in as much as their rights and enshrined freedom in the Constitution. The standards observed the right to democracy and addressed the need for representation (Lee 651). Furthermore, they emphasized morality to restore public order and meet general welfare in society. It mandated police with protecting everybody against illegal actions, therefore, retaining the dignity of citizens.

Additionally, the regulations barred service members from discrimination due to race, religion, language, gender, color, and wealth. To enhance accountability, the United Nations stated that superiors were to review firearms and force by their subordinates. However, senior officers were required to issue orders following the law. If service members violated the law, they would not gain immunity for stating they were acting under their supervisors’ instructions.

The Specific Case of Police Brutality

The murder of George Floyd spurred widespread demonstrations against police brutality. In Minneapolis, the prosecution of an officer who killed George Floyd concluded within a short period. Civilians disseminated evidence in the form of a video where the victim was unarmed. The criminal process was completed expeditiously, unlike the past complaints on police misconducts which used to be taken to internal affairs before being forwarded to a trial board.

For an officer to be dismissed and sentenced, it has to be proven the action is extreme (Graham et al. 556). Following George Floyd’s killing, the officer responsible was fired and faced murder charges. In addition to the charging of Derek Chauvin, three other officers were prosecuted for aiding the murder. ‘Black lives matter’ as a movement was galvanized with solidarity from the international community through social media.

Impact of George Floyd’s Murder on the Society

Corporations joined in solidarity with the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement, which included English premier league clubs like Arsenal. The Human Rights department of Minnesota initiated changes in how the police carried out their practices from the past decade. Moreover, the city council intends to reform the police section to be service-oriented towards the community members. Specific instances include house speaker Nancy Pelosi, authorizing to remove her predecessor’s portraits from the United States Capitol.

The national football league heightened attention to cases related to racism which had been ignored before. The approval rate for demonstration by ‘Black Lives Matter’ gained momentum from 37% in 2017 to 52% in 2020 (Lemaire). Opposition to the movement declined to 30% in 2020 from the previous 41% in 2017 (Lemaire). Advocacy for police defunding sailed after the mayor of New York City agreed to divert to social services. Finally, fundraising activities were initiated to raise the funding of bail amounts for protestors. For instance, George Floyd’s fund surpassed its initial target on the website and became the most followed page.

The health sector has strained as a result of violence from law enforcement agents. The number of victims taken to hospitals is reportedly high, even though it could be reduced. Several lives have been claimed, as statistics show that 1000 people are killed annually by servicemen in the United States of America (Graham et al. 556). Compensation to the families of the victims increases the burden on the taxpayers, unlike the insurance of the violent officers.

Further, the police department’s reputation has been tainted; thus, society has lost its trust in the police force (Cunningham and Gillezeau 17). Besides, the community is strained psychologically due to harassment from the police. Finally, because of assault, the victims are unable to continue working. There is a need to reconstitute the police force into service to humanity. Security apparatus can be accountable and ensure the maintenance of law does not victimize civilians.

Works Cited

Cunningham, Jamein P., and Rob Gillezeau. “Don’t Shoot! The Impact of Historical African American Protest on Police Killings of Civilians.” Journal of Quantitative Criminology, vol. 37, no. 1, 2019, pp. 1–34. Web.

Graham, Amanda, et al. “Race and Worrying About Police Brutality: The Hidden Injuries of Minority Status in America.” Victims & Offenders, vol. 15, no. 5, 2020, pp. 549–573. Web.

Lee, Cynthia. “Reforming the Law on Police Use of Deadly Force: De-Escalation, Preseizure Conduct, and Imperfect Self-Defense.” University of Illinois Law Review Journal, vol. 17, no. 4, 2018, pp. 629-692. Web.

Lemaire, Sandra. “How George Floyd’s Death Has Impacted American Life“. Voice of America, 2020. Web.